7 Signs Youβre Made for Remote Work and Travel (Even If Youβre Not a Digital Nomad Yet)
Have you ever seen someone working on a laptop in Bali and thought, Wait, why am I only traveling during my annual leave?Β If you love discovering new places, remote work and travel could be your perfect fitΒ
Maybe you want to explore new countries without waiting for your next holiday. Or perhaps you enjoy your job but wish you had more flexibility to spend time somewhere new.
I get itβ¦ as a freelancer, Iβve also discovered that working abroad comes with a few surprises. Like arriving at an Airbnb in Albania with supposedly good internet and discovering that the Wi-Fi has other plans.Β
In this guide, I’ll share seven signs that remote work and travel is right for you, remote work tips for getting started, and lessons I’ve learned while working while traveling.
Your Remote Work and Travel Roadmap
Section | Read time |
π Is remote work and travel right for you? | 5 min |
π What I wish I knew before | 2 min |
βοΈ How to get started with remote work and travelΒ | 2 min |
You donβt have to be a digital nomad with a fancy laptop, a perfectly planned morning routine, and a coconut in every Instagram photo. You just need a job that allows you to work remotely and curiosity.Β
Iβve visited 67 countries and all seven continents, and Iβve built a life in Barcelona after planning to stay in Spain for just three months. As a freelancer, I know that combining work and travel can be exciting, but it also requires planning.
Is Remote Work and Travel Right for You?
Remote work and travel gives you the opportunity to explore new places while keeping your career and income going. But it takes more than booking a flight and packing your laptop. You need to consider your work schedule, budget, travel preferences, and how comfortable you feel living somewhere new.
You donβt need to be a full-time digital nomad to make it work. If you recognise yourself in any of these seven signs, working remotely while traveling could be worth exploring.
Here are seven signs this lifestyle could suit you, plus tips to help you get started.
Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
π You love discovering new places and cultures | You enjoy exploring destinations beyond your annual holiday. |
βοΈ You want more freedom to work and travel | Youβd love the flexibility to work from different locations. |
𧩠Youβre good at planning and solving problems | You can adapt when Wi-Fi, transport, or travel plans go wrong. |
πͺ Youβre ready to step outside your comfort zone | Youβre willing to try new things, even when they feel intimidating. |
π° Youβd rather spend money on travel experiences | You prioritise meaningful experiences and plan your budget carefully. |
π» You can work remotely and manage your time | You can organise your workload, meet deadlines, and stay productive while travelling. |
πΊοΈ You want a different lifestyle with more travel | Youβre looking for more flexibility and adventure in your everyday life. |
Tip: Plan a short trip alone. Compare flights on Skyscanner, check accommodation on Booking.com or Hostelworld, and research local transport before arriving.
1. You Love Discovering New Places and Cultures
Some people spend their free time shopping for furniture. I spend mine checking flights and wondering where I could go next.
If you enjoy exploring unfamiliar places, tasting local food, learning about different cultures, and discovering places beyond the usual tourist attractions, working while travelling could fit you.
Imagine spending a month in Madeira instead of squeezing everything into a long weekend. You could work during the day, explore after work, and use your weekends to discover the island.
Try this: Make a list of five destinations where youβd love to stay for a few weeks. Research accommodation, internet access, transport, and everyday costs. My guide to remote travel destinations can help you find inspiration.
2. You Want More Freedom to Work and Travel
Would you rather explore a new city on a Tuesday morning than squeeze everything into a busy weekend?
Remote work gives you more flexibility to travel without waiting for your annual leave. Of course, your boss probably wonβt accept βI was watching the sunsetβ as an excuse for missing a meeting.Β
When I worked remotely in Argentina, I had to plan around different time zones. Before booking, check your working hours, visa rules, and employerβs policies.
Try this: Ask your employer about working abroad temporarily. If you’re self-employed, plan a short trip around your client commitments.
If you’re traveling within the EU, the official EU guide to working abroad is a good place to start.
3. Youβre Good at Planning and Solving Problems
Remote work and travel rarely goes exactly as planned.
Trains get canceled, accommodation looks different in real life, and the cafΓ© with the beautiful view has terrible Wi-Fi…
I learned this in Albania when my Airbnb’s internet wasn’t reliable enough for work. In Cape Verde, my hostel had amazing mountain views but terrible Wi-Fi. Luckily, my local SIM card saved the day, and I could use my phone as a hotspot.
Try this: Check recent Wi-Fi reviews before booking and keep mobile data as a backup. Future you will be thankful!
4. Youβre Ready to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Working in a different country is exciting, but it can also feel intimidating. You might arrive somewhere without knowing anyone or struggle to communicate in the local language.
Thatβs normal, though. You donβt need to feel fearless before trying something new.
As a solo traveler, I know that confidence often grows through experience. Preparation helps you feel more comfortable, especially when traveling alone.
Try this: Choose a destination where you feel comfortable navigating the language, transport, and local culture. Research accommodation locations, read recent reviews, and share your plans with someone you trust. My guide to solo travel safety is a useful starting point.
5. Youβd Rather Spend Money on Travel Experiences
Your budget for traveling and working alone plays a big role in deciding how long you can travel while working remotely. Accommodation, food, transport, and everyday expenses can vary considerably between destinations.
You might choose a simple apartment with a proper desk instead of an expensive hotel. Or stay for a month rather than move every few days, saving yourself repeated transport and accommodation costs.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. An apartment with unreliable internet could cost you a working day, while a noisy room could leave you exhausted before an important meeting.
Hereβs a monthly budget for a budget-conscious traveler:
Expense | Monthly estimate |
Accommodation | β¬700 ($760) |
Food | β¬300 ($325) |
Local transport | β¬60 ($65) |
Internet or coworking | β¬50 ($54) |
Activities | β¬150 ($163) |
Insurance | β¬50 ($54) |
Miscellaneous | β¬100 ($109) |
Total | β¬1,410 ($1,530) |
These are example figures, not guaranteed prices. Flights, visa fees, existing bills, and emergencies are not included.
Try this: Calculate your monthly costs before choosing a destination. Research local prices and keep emergency savings separate from your travel budget.Β
6. You Can Work Remotely and Manage Your Time
Good time management is key to balancing remote work and travel. Working from a beach sounds amazing until the sun reflects off your screen and the wind takes your laptop for a swim.
The reality is that youβll get more work done at a proper desk.
You need to manage deadlines, organise your schedule, and know when to close your laptop.
Try this: Set working hours and plan activities around them. Check accommodation reviews for Wi-Fi, noise, and workspace options. If you have important meetings, donβt rely only on a cafΓ©.
Read Next: Working while traveling is fun, but you also need time to rest and enjoy your destination. Check out my guide to remote work without burnout for tips on balancing work, travel, and downtime.
7. You Want a Different Lifestyle with More Travel
Maybe you enjoy your job but want more adventure. Maybe you’re tired of waiting for your annual holiday to explore somewhere new.
You don’t need to quit your job, sell everything you own, or become a full-time digital nomad.
For me, moving to Barcelona was never part of a grand plan to build an international lifestyle. I originally intended to stay in Spain for three months. Ten years later, Barcelona is home.
Life doesn’t always follow the plan you started with. Sometimes, trying something new helps you discover what you actually want.
Try this: Ask yourself what you want to change about your current lifestyle. Is it your location, working hours, or lack of free time? Your answer will help you decide what to try first.
How Can You Try Remote Work and Travel?
You don’t have to quit your job or book a one-way ticket to Bali tomorrow. Start small and see how working abroad fits into your life.
π Choose your destination with reliable internet and safe accommodation.
π Check the rules for visas, work permissions, taxes, and your employerβs policies.
- π° Create a budget that includes emergency savings.
- πΆ Test your setup before travelling, including your laptop, mobile data, and backup internet.
- βοΈ Start with a short stay and see how it works before committing to longer trips.
Tip: For activities during your free time and to meet other solo travelers, you can check GetYourGuide or Viator.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Remote Working
𧳠Constant travel gets tiring. Packing and moving every few days takes time. Staying longer in each destination makes life easier.
ποΈ Cheap accommodation isnβt always good value. Poor sleep and unreliable internet affect your work. Check reviews carefully.
π« You still need a social life. Working alone can feel isolating. Join local activities, meet other travelers, or try a coworking space.
πΆ You need a backup internet plan. Research mobile data options and coverage before traveling. Airalo offers eSIM options for many destinations.
βοΈ You donβt need to travel full-time. A short stay abroad helps you discover if this lifestyle is right for you.
Next Read: If youβre figuring out where to work remotely, Wi-Fi and Wanderlust: Best Countries for Remote Work Women in 2026 is a great guide with the best countries for beginners.Β
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Work
Do I need to be a digital nomad?
No. You can work remotely for an employer, freelance, or run an online business. You can also work abroad temporarily rather than traveling continuously.
How much money do I need for remote work and travel?Β
It depends on your destination, accommodation, and lifestyle. Budget for housing, food, transport, insurance, internet, activities, and emergencies.
How can I explore a destination on my days off?
You donβt need to plan every activity yourself. Book day trips and activities with GetYourGuide or compare experiences on Viator. Guided tours can help you discover places you might miss on your own.
Where should I book accommodation?
Use platforms like Booking.com for flexible stays with reviews and WiFi info, or Hostelworld if you want budget-friendly, social hostels that are great for remote workers.
Are multi-day tours a good option for remote workers?
They can be great when you want to explore a region without organising every transport connection and hotel yourself. You’ll find multi-day tours on TourRadar and check the itinerary, accommodation, and internet access before booking.Β
Where can I find cheap flights?
Compare flight prices and routes using Skyscanner. Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals.Β
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Final Thoughts β Last Stop Before Takeoff!
If you love discovering new places, want more flexibility, enjoy solving problems, and can manage your workload independently, remote work and travel is calling your name!Β You donβt have to recreate someone elseβs Instagram life. Start with a short stay, see how it feels, and build from there.
Adventure on, Iβll see you on the road!
Read Next: Not sure which jobs let you work while exploring the world? Read my guide to remote jobs that let women travel in 2026 for ideas on how to make remote work and travel happen.
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Feven is a solo female travel mentor who has visited 67 countries, 7 continents and helps women travel with confidence. She creates resources to help women overcome fear and plan their first solo trip. Follow her adventures on Instagram.